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The glorious two months before summer begins provides the perfect weather and foliage for one of America’s favorite pastimes, picnicking. Celebrate on your own on June 18, International Picnic Day, when picnickers around the world pack baskets, spread out blankets and eat lunch on lawns, in parks and at events.
The origin of the word “picnic” probably comes from the French word “piquer,” which means “to pick or peck,” combined with the word “nique,” meaning trifle, to convey the idea of multiple guests bringing different foods. Picnics likely began during medieval times from social banquets held outdoors by the wealthy, usually to celebrate a successful hunt. Today, “picnic” designates anyone eating outdoors.
Though International Picnic Day is not recognized by Congress, you can still honor the unofficial holiday in your backyard or at a neighborhood park. If you’re lucky enough to be near any of the following 12 cities, check out the best picnic places each city has to offer.
Washington, D.C.
Georgetown Waterfront Park in D.C.’s Georgetown neighborhood provides a gorgeously landscaped, lush setting with waterside views of Theodore Roosevelt Island and the Kennedy Center. Spread out a blanket on the lawns surrounded by flowers and greenery between Washington Harbor and Key Bridge.
San Francisco
When the weather is warm and sunny in San Francisco, pack a picnic, bring the dog and head over to Crissy Field, where you’ll discover picturesque views of the Golden Gate Bridge, which is practically overhead. Afterwards, walk, run or bike through the park trails.
Atlanta
Located about two miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, Piedmont Park offers glorious views of dogwood-lined paths and the Atlanta skyline reflected in Lake Clara Meer. Picnic on The Meadow, Oak Hill or the Front Lawn, or grab a drink at Park Tavern, a restaurant that overlooks the park. Afterwards, tour the adjacent Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Miami
Unwind with a bottle of wine and a picnic at Crandon Beach, a gorgeous two-mile beach with calm water in Key Biscayne. Though the destination is popular with locals for its promenade, surfing waters and family amusement center, Crandon Beach is much more peaceful than South Beach, with the same perfect aquamarine water and Miami skyline views.
New York City
You’ll feel like you’re in a painting when you picnic at the oasis-like triangle by the pond on the southeast corner of Central Park, which provides the perfect perch for people-watching. As you sit on the gently sloped, grass- and moss-covered banks, you’ll see couples and families paddling the lake, college students tossing the Frisbee and soaking up rays and exercise enthusiasts playing baseball, jogging and walking.
Chicago
At Prairie Garden in Grant Park, you won’t lack for spectacular scenery while you nosh on the sandwiches from your picnic basket. The wildflower-covered oval plots here cover three acres in beauty and fragrance, and the nearby Lake Michigan and its patrons provide the perfect Chicago conversation piece over lunch.
St. Louis
At Tower Grove Park, walk the grounds and admire the restored greenhouse and gazebos first, then find a shady spot to enjoy your picnic lunch. Formerly a Victorian walking park, park patrons can still revel in the fancy Victorian pavilions and sculptures commissioned by Henry Shaw in the 1800s, plus more than 8,000 trees and shrubs imported from around the world.
Austin
Just 30 miles west of Austin is the 232-acre Hamilton Preserve, which includes Hamilton Pool, a spectacular swimming hole that’s a great place to picnic, hike and swim. The sparkling, clear pool and grotto were formed when the dome of an underground river collapsed due to massive erosion. A 45-foot waterfall splashes into the swimming hole surrounded by layers of rock, creating a truly breathtaking oasis in the middle of Texas.
San Diego
San Diego is home to Balboa Park, the nation’s largest urban cultural park, located adjacent to the San Diego Zoo. Throw a blanket down throughout the park or enjoy some of the designated playground and picnic areas at Pepper Grove Playground or the children’s play area at Thorn and Sixth Avenue.
Seattle
Kerry Park in the Queen Anne neighborhood offers postcard-worthy views of the Space Needle, the downtown skyline, Elliott Bay and, on a clear day, Mt. Rainier and the Olympic Mountains. Picnic and then watch airplanes as they fly up from Puget Sound, turn over Elliott Bay and land at the Seattle-Tacoma airport.
Denver
About 30 miles west of Denver is Golden Gate Canyon State Park, a park that has several picnic spots next to the road and lots of short trails that can be linked together to form a longer hike. However, the ideal picnic spot is at the Panorama Point Scenic Overlook, where visitors can see 100 miles of the Continental Divide.
Salt Lake City
Truly appreciate the foods that comprise your picnic at Wheeler Farm, where you can tour the historic 19th century home, milk a cow for 50 cents, ride on tractor-drawn wagons, shop at the country store and of course, picnic. Try to plan your picnic around one of Wheeler Farm’s varying special events held throughout the year.